1. Research life in San Ildefonso Pueblo, New Mexico and its Indian heritage.

Describe the typical language and traditions that characterize the San Udefonso people. Does Murphy portray the culture and region accurately in the story?

2. List the major issues that adopted people face, both as children and later as adults. Show how Murphy's story depicts these issues and how she uses the characters to develop them.

3. The author uses several types of automobiles, such as a Volkswagen, a Lincoln Town Car, and an orange pickup, as transportation. Describe the five most popular vehicles of 1994. Does Murphy use the popular models? Does she describe the vehicles accurately?

4. In the story, Barney's mother Diana falls in love with Jimmy Martinez and bears his child. How do Diana's choices affect her father? Her mother? Do you think the issues presented by Murphy seem...